New turf for old friends at Waiuku Tennis Club

Sapeer Mayron Reporter from Franklin County News

One of Waiuku’s community hubs finally has a new astroturf, thanks to years of fundraising, grants and the efforts of members and friends alike.

The Waiuku Tennis Club is putting on a grand reopening to celebrate new astroturf, and invites locals to check out the club and maybe even sign up.

Life member Jonathan Taylor said the club has been a key part of his life ever since he moved to Waiuku in 1983.

He was part of an army of volunteers and club members who helped pull up the old astroturf and bundle it up for organisations to take away, saving the club some $16,000.

“It’s very much a part of the fabric of Waiuku, if you like,” Taylor said. “I am a big believer in that.”

Founded in 1907, the tennis club has seen generations of Waiuku families come and go. One of those families was Ilian Trivonov’s, who arrived in 2000 from Bulgaria.

Always an avid tennis player, there was no question about finding a club to play in, but this one quickly became his family’s connection to the community.

“I have no words to explain how welcoming the club was, and is. Everyone - adults, and kids,” Trivonov said.

“We keep connected. It’s very pleasant when you see somebody on the street, at the doctors, in the shops. We remember the good times.”

The NZ Community Trust, Lion Foundation, Waiuku Rotary Club, Foundation North* and the Teague Family made sizable donations to help buy the new turf.

You can join the celebrations, including an exhibition match and BBQ, at the Waiuku Tennis Club, 4 Racecourse Rd in Waiuku on Sunday 30th October, from 2-5pm, and if you become a member on the day you will get a free free Waiuku tennis club cap.

RSVP to waiukutennisclub@gmail.com